Fulton County Public Library Computer Basics 101 Fulton County Public Library What is a computer and how does it work? Why do you want to learn how to use a computer? Remember: If you have questions, ask! *Slideshow adapted from Boise Public Library- www.boisepubliclibrary.org

Different Types of Computers Laptop or Notebook Desktop PC (personal computer) Certain cellphones, like the iPhone, Android or Blackberry

Computer Terminology Hardware: the physical parts of the computer External: the keyboard, monitor, mouse,speakers Internal: CPU, RAM, Motherboard, Power Supply Software: programs that allow us to tell the computer what to do Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer, Solitaire, and even Windows itself! Drives: locations where data is stored For example, C: (the “C drive”) is the computer’s main storage unit. Floppy drives, CD and DVD drives, and flash drives are other common disk drives. They are assigned different letters, like D:, E:, or F:

Computer Terminology, Pt. 2 Drives: Part of the computer where data is stored. They are considered hardware. Each drive is assined a letter, which may vary on each computer. The C: drive is the computer’s main storage unit. CD and DVD drives are used with removable discs, which may have information on them, or be blank, so you can add your own. They may be assigned D:, E:, or F:, or something else entirely. USB flash drives are portable removable drives, which store personal data, that can be moved between computers easily. A flash drive is typically assigned the LAST letter that is available for it’s drive letter Desktop: The area you see when you first turn on your computer. Typically has icons for web browsing, and commonly used programs.

The Mouse Single click to select items. Double-click (two clicks in quick succession) to open programs. Single click to access menu options for the open window. Roll to move up and down pages.

Keyboard Function keys Ten key pad For typing (for numeric entry) (perform special functions in some programs) Num Lock key & indicator light (must be on to type numbers on ten key pad) Caps On indicator light Scroll lock indicator light (now defunct) Shift – for capitalizing letters Caps Lock – to “lock” the shift key when all capital letters are needed Tab – indents 5 spaces to the right Esc – function depends on the application Forward slash – on the ? key and used in Internet addresses Insert – allows the insertion of a character without “over striking” Home – moves the cursor to the beginning of a line End – moves the cursor to the end of a line Delete – removes character or space positioned in front (to the right) of the cursor. Enter – carriage return or application specific Spacebar (not labeled) – moves the cursor left to right inserting spaces Backspace - moves the cursor from right to left, backwards deletes characters or spaces Page Down - scrolls down a full page Page Up - scrolls up a full page F1 - Help window F2-F12 - application specific Cursor keys/Arrow keys/Navigation keys - moves the cursor left, right, up or down without deleting or adding spaces. NumLock - this affects the 10-key touch numeric keypad. Activating allows numbers, deactivating allows editing. Ten key pad (for numeric entry) For typing For moving around in documents and programs

Keyboard – Special Keys Escape Key: backs out from a selection Shift & Ctrl Keys: used for various keyboard shortcuts Shift – for capitalizing letters Caps Lock – to “lock” the shift key when all capital letters are needed Tab – indents 5 spaces to the right Esc – function depends on the application Forward slash – on the ? key and used in Internet addresses Insert – allows the insertion of a character without “over striking” Home – moves the cursor to the beginning of a line End – moves the cursor to the end of a line Delete – removes character or space positioned in front (to the right) of the cursor. Enter – carriage return or application specific Spacebar (not labeled) – moves the cursor left to right inserting spaces Backspace - moves the cursor from right to left, backwards deletes characters or spaces Page Down - scrolls down a full page Page Up - scrolls up a full page F1 - Help window F2-F12 - application specific Cursor keys/Arrow keys/Navigation keys - moves the cursor left, right, up or down without deleting or adding spaces. NumLock - this affects the 10-key touch numeric keypad. Activating allows numbers, deactivating allows editing. Caps Lock: for typing in all capitals Menu Key: acts like the “right-click” button on the mouse. Windows Key: opens the start menu

Computer - Front USB ports Media card reader Power button DVD Drive Other optional parts of a computer: Power LED (light) Hard drive activity light Hidden panel

Computer - Back USB ports (for connecting devices) Power plug Fan Mouse Network cable plug Speakers (sound output) Keyboard Video connector (to monitor) Microphone (sound input)

Basic Windows Desktop Icons System tray Taskbar Start button

Working with Windows Maximize Address Bar Minimize Close Command Bar Scroll Bars: click on the arrows, drag the gray box, or use the scroll wheel to move within the window To resize, click and drag here Status Bar

Start Menu Links to frequently used programs Quick access to saved files View drives on the computer Answers to how-to List of Programs Turn Off / Restart computer

What Next? Class Information: 574-223-1002 Starting over!: Week 1- Basic Computers 101 Week 2- Basic Computers 102 Week 3- Internet Basics Week 4- E-Mail Essentials Tuesday Evenings: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday Mornings: 11-12:30 p.m. Saturdays: Special/ Advanced Classes Find more computer class info at: http://www.fulco.lib.in.us/Calendars/rochester.htm Questions or Comments?  Jonathan Gaskill/Zak Schoff/April Gross 574-223-2713 ref@fulco.lib.in.us